Blair and Ahern discuss Northern Ireland peace process

The British Prime Minister Tony Blair has held talks with Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in London to discuss political progress in Northern Ireland.

The lunchtime discussion at Downing Street on Monday February 18 focussed on issues such as demilitarisation, decommissioning and the recent work of the Policing Board.

Speaking on BBC's Breakfast with Frost programme on Sunday, Mr Ahern said the talks would give him and Mr Blair the first opportunity this year to review the progress of the Good Friday Agreement.

"It is heading towards the fourth anniversary of the Agreement in another few weeks and I think progress has been very good, but as always we have to keep on watching issues that have not been dealt with," he said.

Mr Ahern also discussed the absence of Sinn Féin on the 19-member Policing Board on the Sunday morning programme. Mr Ahern said: "I think ultimately if we are to have proper policing with the respect of the community, it's necessary in any society that the community supports the police service.

"I think it will happen but it will take some time in next month or April a review will start of the Police Service Bill and the legislation. That's meant to take about six months and the other side of that, it is hoped that there could be some amending legislation," Mr Ahern said.

"Somewhere around that, I hope that Sinn Féin would take the opportunity to come in because I do think it is vital that everyone representing nationalist and republican, loyalist and unionist are part of the police service."

Sinn Féin has so far refused to take its place on the 19-member board that holds the new Police Service of Northern Ireland accountable because they claim police reforms do not go far enough.

(AMcE)